Published: 1 March 2023

Edenbridge: Have your say on next steps for new health centre

A month of public listening events kicks off this week for people in Edenbridge as the build of the new health centre enters its final phase.

Graphic showing architect's drawing of the health centre and the words: Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre have your say

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) and Edenbridge Medical Practice will run the majority of services at the new health centre, which will include the new GP surgery, diagnostic services, a day centre supporting people with dementia and a wider range of outpatient clinics and children's services, reducing the need for people to travel to Tunbridge Wells or Maidstone hospitals for some care.

With construction in full swing and the roof about to go on to the building, the full range of proposed services that could be delivered from the centre will be talked through, plus Edenbridge residents are being asked how the community space could be used by community and voluntary groups.

Starting with a public meeting, chaired by Tom Tugendhat MP, at the Eden Centre on Four Elms Road from 10am until 12noon on Saturday, 4 March, there will also be two online listening events on 8 and 17 March, a mini-roadshow around the town and an online survey for people to get involved with and share feedback. Book your space online.

Read the full list of services that could be delivered at Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre:

Mairead McCormick, Chief Executive of KCHFT said: “Making sure Edenbridge people are involved in the development of Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre is really important to us. Plans for the health centre began more than six years ago and residents have been involved in shaping the centre every step of the way, from helping to name the building to influencing the memorial garden. We want to make sure the services we provide benefit the health and wellbeing of the Edenbridge community and we need your help to do it.

“We’ve looked carefully at what local people need and are really pleased with our plans to extend the day centre opening to six days-a-week, provide ultrasound and a wider range of outpatient services reducing people’s need to travel. People know that our minor injury unit has not been as reliable as we would like it to be. We’ve worked hard to improve this and want to talk about providing a minor injuries service, from Monday to Friday, without x-ray, making use of the eight x-ray facilities within a 15-mile radius.”

Dr Anna-Louise Malan from Edenbridge Medical Practice said: “The new Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre is getting closer to opening and I am so pleased we will have our new GP surgery as part of the community hub. The new facilities and equipment will allow us to deliver health and wellbeing services in a joined-up way that meets the needs of people living here. The centre will be a shining example of supporting people to manage their long-term conditions, stay well and be part of their community, while delivering quality care, closer to home.”

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